Sports
NSC Nullifies Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Elections, Sets October 18 for Fresh Polls
By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially declared the elections recently conducted by the Gymnastics, Judo, and Shooting Federations as invalid, urging them to prepare for fresh elections scheduled for October 18, 2025 in Abuja.
According to the NSC, the earlier elections held by these federations were not aligned with the Ministry’s guidelines and failed to reflect the principle of inclusive representation as mandated by Nigeria’s sports governance framework.
A statement released on Wednesday by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized the importance of full representation from 14 key constituencies on the board of every sports federation. These constituencies are:
Six Zonal Representatives (one from each geopolitical zone) 1 Athlete Representative, 1 Technical Representative, 1 Military/Paramilitary Representative, 1 NAWIS Representative, 1 NAPHER-SD Representative,1 Sponsor Representative and 1 AFFAN Representative.
“The strength of our sports federations lies in representation. We want to make it categorically clear that none of the 14 constituencies will be excluded from the governance structure of any federation. Inclusiveness remains non-negotiable.”
The affected federations have been directed to comply with the October 18 deadline. Notably:
Gymnastics and Judo Federations are to conduct their zonal elections prior to the national polls.
The Shooting Federation, having already completed its zonal elections, will proceed directly to elect its President and Vice President on the said date.
The recent election held by the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) on September 6, 2025, saw Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse re-elected for a historic third term after polling all 33 votes cast. The Vice Presidency went to Alhaji Mohammed Abba Inuwa, who received 32 votes.
While the election was commended by observers from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and international gymnastics bodies, the NSC was notably absent and reportedly advised the federation to postpone the election—advice that went unheeded.
The NOC’s Secretary General, Tunde Popoola, expressed both admiration for the peaceful process and surprise at the absence of the NSC, stating:
“This election was constitutionally backed and well-organized. However, I had expected the Sports Commission DG to be present. We were only informed upon arrival that he had advised postponement.”
Popoola emphasized the importance of unity and respect for the federation’s constitution, noting that as long as the constitution remains unchallenged, it stands as the guiding framework.
“At the NOC, we strongly uphold the autonomy of federations and the rule of law,” he said. “We will continue to support this federation moving forward.”
Meanwhile, the Shooting Federation’s election on September 22 ended inconclusively after six rounds of voting failed to produce a clear winner between two candidates. This stalemate prompted the NSC’s intervention and the rescheduling of elections.
The Judo Federation, which also recently held its elections, has been instructed to redo both its zonal and national elections to comply with NSC’s inclusivity guidelines.
The NSC has called for all federations to conduct their elections in full compliance with its directives to ensure transparency, fairness, and adequate representation.
The fresh elections on October 18, 2025, will be held under the strict supervision of the NSC, with stakeholders and observers expected to ensure a credible process.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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